In addition to the league's fifth-easiest schedule, the Chiefs have made significant upgrades at quarterback and in the secondary. If Chargers general manager Tom Telesco addresses the offensive line early in the draft, the Chargers and Chiefs could end up battling for one wild-card spot.

With head coach Chip Kellythreatening to revolutionize the NFL, the Eagles already are a trendy pick to bounce back from their 4-12 record from last season. One of the most active teams in free agency, the Eagles now have the benefit of a schedule that is in the bottom-third of the league in difficulty.

The 2012 non-playoff team that has perhaps the best chance of advancing deep into the postseason this year is the Dallas Cowboys. Returning a relatively strong roster, the Cowboys face just one of NFL's top-five powerhouses. It can be argued fairly that every game on their schedule is winnable.